In the high-stakes landscape of professional tennis, the mental game is just as important as physical prowess. Russian teen sensation, Mirra Andreeva, is a testament to this fact. As she prepared for the Indian Wells final against World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, Andreeva revealed that she has been working with a sports psychologist since the Australian Open. This mental fortitude was instrumental in her journey to the final, a feat that sees her join the ranks of the few who have reached this stage before their 18th birthday.
Andreeva’s coach, Wimbledon legend Conchita Martinez, has been working diligently to refine her game since 2024. However, Andreeva’s past struggles with pressure-induced frustration, including instances of arm-biting, hinted at a significant mental challenge, particularly against a formidable opponent like Sabalenka.
The Russian prodigy made history at Indian Wells by defeating two-time champion Iga Swiatek in the semifinal, making her the youngest finalist since Kim Clijsters in 2001. She now stands among a select group of early achievers which includes tennis heavyweights like Monica Seles, Martina Hingis, and Serena Williams.
Andreeva’s decision to engage a sports psychologist was influenced by Swiatek, who attributes much of her success to sports psychology. The teenager confirmed this during a post-match interview with Tennis Channel, stating that she had indeed been working with a sports psychologist, facilitated by her agent.
The sports psychologist played a pivotal role in Andreeva’s stunning victory over the world No. 2 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, and has been a consistent figure in her team thereafter. Reflecting on the psychological assistance, Andreeva confirmed the positive impact, asserting that it has contributed to her mental stability, strength, and overall confidence in her game.
During her match against Swiatek in Dubai, Andreeva experienced firsthand the vital role of a psychologist. Facing a trailing position, she harnessed her mental strength to stay in the game, attributing her resilience to her interactions with her psychologist.
Andreeva’s mental conditioning will be tested once more as she gears up to face Sabalenka for the third time this season. Earlier in the year, Sabalenka defeated her twice, in the Brisbane International and the Australian Open, with an overall head-to-head tally of 4-1 in Sabalenka’s favor. Andreeva’s only win against Sabalenka came during the French Open quarterfinal in the previous season.
Andreeva is now looking to clinch her second WTA 1000 title, and simultaneously settle scores with Sabalenka. On the other hand, Sabalenka will be gunning for her maiden Indian Wells trophy, having narrowly missed out in 2023. The final in the Californian desert promises to be a thrilling showdown, with the mental game potentially playing a decisive role.